ROGUE Runs’ Severn Bridge twilight race returned on Thursday night and had 435 runners taking part.

The five-mile race across the estuary and back from Chepstow set off in time to see a fantastic sunset across the Severn.

Gavin Jones of MonRoss Trailblazers finished second in 29.20, 46 seconds behind winner Alex Pass of Best Athletics, while fastest woman was Molly Grace Waddington in 34.45.

Matthew Visser, Michael Visser, Fay Visser and Lee Davies flew the flag for Spirit of Monmouth and enjoyed the atmosphere from start to finish, which included participants painting their faces with glow paints and dancing along with an energetic warm up in the tunnels.

Matt was first Spirit in 37.12 for 14th in the senior category, followed by Lee in 38.37 for sixth in over-45s.

Michael ran well crossing in 39.46 for fourth in the over-60 category, while Fay loved the views and atmosphere finishing in 49.56 for ninth in her over-60 class.

Sunday saw the Newport Marathon festival where runners either took part in the 10k, half marathon or marathon.

Sian Fielding and Julie Gee had put in a lot of training for the popular race, which boasts one of the flattest marathon courses in Europe, with over 70 per cent of all finishers claiming a PB on a route that offers landmarks like the Transporter Bridge and the Gwent Levels.

Julie Gee and Sian Fielding enjoyed the Newport Marathon
Julie Gee and Sian Fielding enjoyed the Newport Marathon (Sprit of Monmouth RC)

Sian was hoping for a sub-two hour race, and managed to run 2.00.58 despite a little tumble at mile 6 for a new PB.

Julie had a fantastic day and despite suffering a recent injury managed to cross in 2.39.47 for a new PB by nine minutes.

SoM members are looking forward to their next club championship race, the ‘Bluebell Blunder’ at Gumbersland Barn, Bigsweir Bridge, while some members will be taking in the London Marathon 2025 the same day (Saturday, April 27), including Vicky Roberts, who secured a good-for-age place running the 2024 race.

Vicky Roberts and her uncle Marc Wilding
Vicky Roberts and her uncle Marc Wilding (Vicky Roberts)

She is running in aid of The Brain Tumour Charity after her uncle and godfather Marc Wilding was diagnosed with terminal Glioblastoma Multiform last year when he was supposed to run the 2024 marathon.

Following an operation, radiotherapy and chemotherapy last summer, Marc will amazingly be lining up on the start alongside Vicky this time.

And she says: “We have seen first hand what this disease can do to a person and whilst Marc is absolutely fighting fit and taking it all in his stride (as those that know him would expect), anything we can do to help this community come up with a cure and further their research for what we know is an aggressive type of cancer, we will do!” says Vicky.

“Marc is also running London 2025 after a devastating year, and I can't wait to see him get to the start line like he should have last year.

“Multiple friends and family are taking part in multiple events across the year to raise as much as we possibly can and we appreciate each and every one of you who support us along the way.”

To support Vicky’s fundraiser, go to JustGiving and search for ‘Vicky's fundraiser for Brain Tumour Research’.

Anyone interested in running or joining a club can look at Spirit of Monmouth’s website https://spiritofmonmouth.co.uk/ or email [email protected] for more information.